On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: Amendment 3
- Would raise the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. School taxes still apply.
- Would lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property (second homes, rentals) from 10% to 5%.
- Needs 60% voter approval. If it passes, it takes effect Jan 1, 2027.
- Under the proposal, people who are not Florida residents on Dec 31, 2026 would get today's exemption when they first qualify, and the higher one starting in their fifth year of exemption (to the extent the U.S. Constitution allows).
- Moving before Dec 31 does not by itself make you a resident or qualify you for homestead. You still need to own the home, live in it as your permanent residence on Jan 1, and apply with your county property appraiser by March 1.
- Today's law stays in effect unless voters approve it. Whether you'd qualify depends on your own situation — ask your county property appraiser.
Things to verify
- UEP (utility extension) assessment — paid off or still on the tax bill?
- Boat route: bridges, canal mouth depth at low tide, time to open water (see Canals).
- Saltwater or freshwater canal?
See what's for sale near you
What homes are worth
As of August 2026 (updated monthly by hand). Redfin: median sale price $379,749 (up 5.8% year over year), $219 per sq ft, 66 median days on market, 1,725 homes sold in August. Zillow: typical home value $335,825 (down 3.9%), about 55 days to pending.
Tell me more
- Redfin measures actual sale prices; Zillow's index estimates the value of all homes — that's why the two differ.
- Redfin reports homes typically sell about 3% below list price.
- For your own home's value, pull recent sold comparables or get an appraisal — a citywide median can mislead for waterfront or gulf-access homes.
Steps to sell
The usual path from deciding to sell to closing.
Tell me more
- 1. Look up your property record, open permits and any UEP assessment — buyers' title searches will find them.
- 2. Price it from recent sold comparables; choose an agent or sell by owner.
- 3. Complete Florida seller disclosures, including known defects and flood history.
- 4. Get pre-listing inspections if you want fewer surprises (roof, wind mitigation, 4-point).
- 5. List, show and negotiate; most Florida sales use the FR/BAR contract.
- 6. Buyer's inspection period, appraisal and financing.
- 7. Close through a title company or attorney; documentary stamp tax on the deed is paid at closing.
- 8. Your homestead exemption ends when you sell — apply again at your next Florida home by March 1.
Plain-language summary, not legal advice. Fees, dates and rules change — confirm with the official source before you act.